Syria vows to defend sovereignty following Israeli strike near presidential palace

DAMASCUS -- The Syrian presidency on Friday strongly condemned the earlier Israeli strike that targeted an area near the presidential palace in Damascus, noting that the country will defend the rights of its people "through all available means."

Syria "will not compromise on its sovereignty or its security," the presidency said in a statement, describing the strike as part of ongoing hostile movements aimed at undermining its national stability and unity.

The presidency warned that this aggression comes amid continued attempts to ignite internal crises and fragment Syrian society, and called on the international community and Arab states to stand by Syria in confronting these "aggressive violations."

Syria highlighted its full commitment to addressing such assaults, which it said are aimed at weakening Syrian sovereignty, obstructing national efforts to restore stability and peace, and disturbing the security of the people.

The statement added that relevant security agencies are conducting necessary investigations and that authorities will continue to take all firm measures to counter any threats to the homeland and its citizens.

The presidency also reaffirmed its call for all parties to commit to dialogue and cooperation within the framework of national unity, and to confront any attempts to prolong the crisis or disrupt the country's rebuilding and reform.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a joint statement earlier in the day that Israel attacked overnight near the presidential palace in Syria's capital, Damascus.

The strike followed the deadly clashes that intensified earlier this week between local Druze fighters and pro-government forces south of Damascus, which, according to the war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, have claimed over 100 lives.

The Israeli statement called the strike "a clear message to the Syrian regime," saying that Israel "will not allow the move of forces south of Damascus and any danger to the Druze community."